Rep. Randy Neugebauer said he shouted out "'it's a baby killer' in reference to the agreement reached by the Democratic leadership" on compromise language that emphasized federal funds would not be used to pay for abortions.

Michigan Rep. Bart Stupak was on the House floor talking about the issue at the time of Neugebauer's outburst. Stupak was the leader of a group of anti-abortion rights Democrats who refused to back health care reform unless their concerns were addressed.

In a statement released by his office, Neugerbauer said that his comments have been misconstrued.

"Last night was the climax of weeks and months of debate on a health care bill that my constituents fear and do not support," he said. "In the heat and emotion of the debate, I exclaimed the phrase 'it's a baby killer' in reference to the agreement reached by the Democratic leadership. While I remain heartbroken over the passage of this bill and the tragic consequences it will have for the unborn, I deeply regret that my actions were mistakenly interpreted as a direct reference to Congressman Stupak himself.

"I have apologized to Mr. Stupak and also apologize to my colleagues for the manner in which I expressed my disappointment about the bill. The House Chamber is a place of decorum and respect. The timing and tone of my comment last night was inappropriate."

soundoff(300 Responses)

Robert

Not shocked it's a Texan. This from the state that just removed any quotes from Thomas Jeffereson about separation of church and state from text books, tried to legislate that pi is equal to 3 (no wonder their super collider never worked!), and wants to teach that dinosaurs and man may have walked the earth at the same time. Please just secede already. No one wants your oil, your presidents, or your ignorance.

March 22, 2010 03:12 pm at 3:12 pm |

Good grief

From Texas?! Shocking!! NOT! When all else fails, make up lies and call names. Typical GOP style.

March 22, 2010 03:13 pm at 3:13 pm |

Siobhan Humphrey

We teach our children to think before they speak. However, there seems to be a long list of Republicans who blurt out the most disrespectrul things in situations where they are entirely inappropriate. After the fact, there always seems to be the "I was misconstrued excuse followed by an apology. Grow up and think about what you say before you say it.

March 22, 2010 03:13 pm at 3:13 pm |

Jake Honig

I don't want to hear anything about emotions running high...if you are an elected REPRESENTATIVE, you should act with a sense of decorum. It is so out of line to yell something out while Congress is in session. I guess I'm not really surprised...he was elected by the whackos who yell racial slurs at politicians.

You stayed silent when asked who shouted in the Capitol Hill room. You have waited for one day after this issue becomes a lamentable news before you admit to shouting. Bravo for such an extensively delayed bravado. Now that you have admitted, do you really think it's that hard? What took you so long?

March 22, 2010 03:14 pm at 3:14 pm |

JJinCVCA

It's no mistake. It's no misconstrument. It's his foot going straight into his mouth.

March 22, 2010 03:14 pm at 3:14 pm |

Lee, California

This coming from a state with the most executions!

March 22, 2010 03:14 pm at 3:14 pm |

Vince

They are not really sorry about their comments. The first time maybe a mistaken outburst. But, after the turmoil surrounding the first time, now a second time???

It shows the lack of respect some of the Republicans have for democracy. Yes, you are not always going to agree on every point, but where is the respect for each other in the House of Representatives?

March 22, 2010 03:14 pm at 3:14 pm |

Jannynet

Yeah, sure, it's all wiped clean because of an apology. The point of the problem is people losing all civility and then blaming it on their passion for what's right. What's right is having civil discussion and listening. This bill is just the tip of the iceburg as to how our government representatives are working for us. Not. I get so disgusted listening to all the bull pucky emerging from Washington.

March 22, 2010 03:14 pm at 3:14 pm |

Tired of old white men telling women what to do with their bodies!

Why do old men, like this guy, or any man for that matter, think they should have ANY right to tell me what to do with my body and my life. Believe you me, if and when they are in a situation where one of their "girlfriends" gets pregnant, they are probably the first one to suggest abortion, take her to a clinic and offer the money up to "fix" it. Such hypocrites! You have NO right, absolutely NO right whatsoever to tell any woman what she should do with her body. Understand? Good.

March 22, 2010 03:14 pm at 3:14 pm |

Ti

Shouting out like that is a no class move. He should be punished.

March 22, 2010 03:14 pm at 3:14 pm |

Bubble of Sanity

Sometimes truth can be harmful. His statement was rude, but it's true.

March 22, 2010 03:15 pm at 3:15 pm |

Joanna

You are an embarrassment.

March 22, 2010 03:15 pm at 3:15 pm |

jeremy.....Dallas...Texas

I will not vote for you again. You lack respect and intergrity to be in that honorable house. Where did your charisma go?

March 22, 2010 03:15 pm at 3:15 pm |

steffan christensen

It amazes me that children die from lack of health insurance and accesss to services, but those trying to provide those services are baby killers. Perhaps the Republicans could describe themselves as baby killers for not supporting health care.

March 22, 2010 03:15 pm at 3:15 pm |

Andi

the comment 'baby killer' was misconstrued? And how so?

March 22, 2010 03:15 pm at 3:15 pm |

DJK

If the shoe fits....

March 22, 2010 03:15 pm at 3:15 pm |

Randy

Misconstrued? Yeh, just like weapons of mass destruction (none) were misconstrued to start a war. Republicans and the truth don't mix.

March 22, 2010 03:15 pm at 3:15 pm |

Peter Vaguely

Yes, like all Republicans these days his remarks were misconstrued, misquoted, or taken out of context. They don't even have the guts to take responsibility for the the vile, hateful, inflammatory rhetoric they spew. For shame!

March 22, 2010 03:17 pm at 3:17 pm |

Independant

This behavior is so typical for members of the Republican party. And its no surprise this particular Republican is from Texas, the Red Neck capital of the U.S. The state who's governor wants suceed from the nation. The state with the 2nd lowest academic rating in comparison to all 50 states. Texas has a track record of electing stupid politicians.

March 22, 2010 03:17 pm at 3:17 pm |

Melanie

Can we all calm down long enough to grow up? Or should we put the Republicans in the time-out chair after they finish their little tantrum. because they didn't get their way. We're all tired of the spin, the talking points, the downright exaggerations, the crazy inflaming of the American people who run on emotion rather than logic. How embarrassing to think that our lawmakers act like thing when they can't get what they want. Ick.

March 22, 2010 03:18 pm at 3:18 pm |

Mrs. Mae

What is with the Republican obsession with fetuses? Especially since they don't give half a darn about anyone after they are actually born.

March 22, 2010 03:18 pm at 3:18 pm |

doran_wi

Actually the parents/mom decides to terminate not this bill. Also, the doctor performs the procedure not this bill. Stop trying to have government get in our bedrooms and our bodies. We are adults, we make decisions for ourselves (and have to live with them). Also Mr. Neugebauer, be a professional and have respect. You're not in a kindergarden government simulation–it's your real job.

March 22, 2010 03:18 pm at 3:18 pm |

macnshay

When will the people grow up and stop acting like children. This proves that age does not equal maturity.